Tuesday, 7 March 2017

Total knee replacement is a common orthopaedic procedure which is used to replace the damaged or worn out surfaces of the knee. Replacing these surfaces with an implant or prosthesis will relieve pain and increase mobility, allowing everyday activities to be pain free. Also minimally invasive knee replacement in India has evolved with time and is the current easy pain relieving procedure when compared to the traditional methods.

The traditional approach to knee replacement makes use of a long vertical incision at the centre of the knee to view and make changes in the joint. Minimally invasive total knee replacement is an alteration of this approach. The surgeon uses a shorter incision and a different, less-invasive technique to expose the joint, with the goal of reducing postoperative pain and speedy recovery.

In minimally invasive knee replacement, the surgical procedure is similar to total knee replacement, but there is less cutting of the tissue surrounding the knee. Also, specially designed surgical instruments are used to make the femur and tibia ready and to place the implants properly. Minimally invasive knee replacement is performed through a shorter incision of 4 to 6 inches which is less when compared to 8 to 10 inches for traditional knee replacement. A smaller incision allows less tissue disturbance. In addition to a shorter incision, the technique which is used to open the knee is less invasive. As the techniques used to expose the joints involve less disruption to the muscles, it will lead to less postoperative pain and reduced recovery time.

Who can have a minimally invasive knee replacement?

Minimally invasive total knee replacement is not suitable for all the patients. The doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation and will consider several factors before determining if the procedure is an option for the patient or no. In general, the patients for minimal incision procedures are thinner, younger, healthier and more motivated to participate in the rehabilitation process, when compared to patients who undergo the traditional surgery. Minimally invasive surgeries are not suitable for patients who are overweight or who have already undergone other knee surgeries. In addition, patients who have a significant deformities in the knee, those who are very muscular and those with health problems that may slow wound healing may be at a higher risk for problems from minimally invasive total knee replacement.

Joint Care Speciality Clinic, Jaipur is an orthopaedic centre which provides excellent treatment with right diagnostics at affordable rates.